The Daughters of Zelophehad

1. Zelophehad’s daughters directly challenged an established inheritance law. What qualities enabled Zelophehad’s daughters to present this challenge? How are you encouraging and instilling these qualities in your own daughters?

2. How do these women use the timing and location of their petition to their advantage? How can you better use timing and location to your advantage when petitioning a superior?

3. This story illustrates the gradual development of law within a society. An inheritance law that was first intended to preserve inter-generational wealth within a family now needs to be revised. What laws (rules) within your society (family) need to be revised? How does the example set by Moses inform how you should proceed with revising rules in your family?

4. Although women still are not treated equally to men in respect to inheritance laws at the conclusion of this story, an important step towards equitable treatment takes place. As a patriarch, when have you had to celebrate an important step taken by your children, despite the ultimate goal not yet being reached?

5. Moses’ ceremonial commissioning of Joshua is more than just symbolism. What actual authority does Joshua receive from Moses in this ceremony? When and how can you ceremoniously commission your children with actual authority?

6. What modern cultural or religious examples of ceremonial commissioning of children are you aware of? Why is ceremonial commissioning important?

Resolutions

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